CONTACTS: Linda Rozett/Rebecca Wilder
(202) 463-5682 / 888-249-NEWS
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Chamber Joins in Get Net Safe Tour to Teach Consumers How to be Safe Online
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce today joined in the launch of the national Get Net Safe tour, along with government, advocacy organizations, and technology leaders, to instruct individuals how to be safe on the internet.
"Modern technology has made the exchange of information and communication increasingly easier, but unfortunately, there are people who will take advantage of it for nefarious purposes," said Rolf Lundberg, Chamber senior vice president for Congressional Affairs. "With the Get Net Safe tour, we hope to bring parents, teachers, and children the tools they need to protect themselves online while still gaining the great benefits that our plugged-in culture has to offer."
The Get Net Safe tour will host events in 12 cities across the country at places such as local chambers of commerce, school assemblies/teach-ins, Boys and Girls Club events, and other community locations. During these events, representatives from participating organizations will help to raise awareness about threats to online security and teach people ways to protect themselves and their families. Some of the issues to be discussed include internet "phish"ing and identity theft. The tour will introduce and promote the current internet security initiatives underway such as the Federal Trade Commission's OnguardOnline, GetNetWise Foundation, I-Safe America, and NetSmartz Programs.
Partners in the Get Net Safe tour include the AARP, Best Buy Geek Squad, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, Internet Education Foundation, I-SAFE America, Microsoft Corp., the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, National Cyber Security Alliance, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Commerce.
"The Get Net Safe tour is a great opportunity to educate small businesses about the importance of cyber security. The participation of Microsoft and all the other organizations involved makes this a unique endeavor," said Lundberg.
More information about the Get Net Safe Tour the organizations involved can be found online at: http://www.staysafe.org/.
The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation representing more than
3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.
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